The translocation was done in the interest of the safety of both the local residents as well as the water sport users. The hippo having taken over Ebenezer Dam has been the talk of the town for a few weeks now as most residents were worried about their safety. According to Paul Altenroxel, there was only one hippo removed from the dam, he said the rumours that there were three hippos are yet to be proven otherwise.

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Altenroxel coordinated the translocation of Harry the Hippo to his new home in Leadwood Ranch in Hoedspruit. The translocation was made possible by different stakeholders including Clearwater’s Cove, Lake View Estate, The Haenertsburg Trout Association, Berg en Meer and the Ebenezer Powerboat Club. They worked together with the Department of Water and Sanitation and Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism to secure a permit for Wynand De Jager of Umoya Khulula Wildlife and Rehabilitation to capture and successfully relocate and release Harry to his new home.

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Paul said although three permits were issued, only one was found on Saturday. “We have yet to receive photographic evidence of the other alleged residents. Should members of the public have any images or spot the alleged hippo cow and her calf, please send such images to the estate management company, PropServ on 083 630 9600,” he said. No boats, rafts, yachts were permitted on the water until the process was completed.

The public was advised to stay away from the location where the hippo(s) was isolated, darted and relocated. In addition to the safety issue, the hippo was accused of destroying a flower garden belonging to a resident of Clearwater Cove. Photos: Charmaine Botha.